UNHCR decries death of refugee in South Sudan camp

The UN refugee agency, UNHCR, on Friday expressed shock at the death of a refugee and two local South Sudanese who sustained fatal injuries during an incident in Upper Nile's Doro refugee camp early this week.

UNHCR Representative Ahmed Warsame said the staff are on the ground gathering details about the circumstances that led to the death of the refugee.

"This is an act of senseless violence and our thoughts and prayers are with those families who have lost their loved ones," Warsame said in a statement issued in Juba.

He said initial reports suggest that members of the host communities and refugees clashed on Monday during a football match organized as part of UNHCR's broader efforts to promote peaceful coexistence among communities.

South Sudan hosts more than 266,000 refugees, mostly from South Kordofan and Blue Nile states in Sudan. Over 134,000 refugees live in four camps in Upper Nile's Maban County.

Warsame said the security environment remains volatile, adding that the UN agency was concerned with reports of the heightened presence of armed groups in Maban camps as well as weapons circulation.

"Whilst deeply appreciating the hospitality and generosity of South Sudan and its people towards refugees, we strongly appeal to the authorities to provide safety and security to those in need and to ensure the civilian and humanitarian character of refugee camps. UNHCR will continue to work with communities and partners to enhance social cohesion and to promote redress and reconciliation in Maban," he said.

According to Warsameh, tensions have been growing between the two communities for weeks over the alleged theft of pigs and goats.

"Refugees and locals have traded accusations over looting of livestock, but further investigation is required to confirm the facts," he said.

Warsameh added Monday's incident led to further inter-community violence and deterioration of the security situation in Maban. As a result, scores of injured were rushed to Bunj hospital and a number of houses were burnt to the ground on Tuesday and Wednesday. Endit